“Inadequate sanitation systems spread human waste into rivers, lakes and soil and this pollutes water resources and impacts people's health. Poor sanitation is also linked to diarrheal diseases which results in the death of about 800 children globally, every day. Ensuring that toilets are climate-resilient and connected to a proper sanitation system that effectively removes and treats human waste is key in promoting good health and protecting the environment”.
Olutayo added that “Border points are very significant in boosting the economy of countries, but without these basic WASH services, it becomes very difficult for people to protect themselves and contribute to a prosperous economy. Research shows that handwashing with soap reduces diarrheal diseases by 30%, can reduce acute respiratory infections by up to 20% and it plays an important role in reducing the transmission of outbreak-related pathogens such as cholera, Ebola, shigellosis, SARS, hepatitis E, and COVID-19. Investment in WASH is worth it and we encourage governments across the region to prioritise investing more in WASH to ensure preventive measures against diseases, rather than seeking for curative measures when people’s lives are in danger”.
In line with its global and regional strategy, WaterAid aims to inspire and accelerate action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which promises access to sanitation and water for all by 2030.
Since 2021, WaterAid East Africa has been working closely with partners, including WASH networks in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda country programmes, to curb the spread of infectious diseases along cross-country border routes in East Africa. So far, the organisation has embarked on 9 border interventions covering six countries- Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania. These include Busia border between Kenya and Uganda; Holili border between Tanzania and Kenya; Malaba border between Kenya and Uganda; Nemba border between Rwanda and Burundi; Horohoro border which serves Tanzania and Kenya; Lungalunga border serving Kenya and Tanzania; and Rusizi border between Rwanda and DRC
Yunia Musaazi, Executive Director of UWASNET appreciated WaterAid for the initiative.
"UWASNET is grateful to WaterAid for having partnered with us to contribute to the fight against pandemics in the world like COVID-19 and Ebola. We are also grateful to WaterAid for having listened to the voices of Vurra and Arua districts who called for the effective curbing of communicable WASH-related diseases by offering a full WASH package for transient communities."
Prior to WaterAid’s intervention, the poor conditions of the toilets contributed to an increase in open defecation.
"In the past, we've experienced health problems due to the poor sanitation we've had. Now we have beautiful toilets, with urinals, we can use the toilets and the bathrooms. We welcome these facilities with open arms," said Taban Joseph, the Operations Manager for Cargo Trans and a leader in the long-distance drivers community. |
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